The History of Ornamental Cornices in Architecture

One of the subtle architectural elements in the room that adds more depth and dimension to it is the cornices. Various home trends may be introduced each season, but you can expect that cornices are still a staple design element in homes. These decorative moldings go way back and are still being used today as both aesthetics and protection of the top wall from moisture. But who was the first to use this element? In today’s article, let’s explore how different cultures and architectural styles have influenced the design of cornices.

How were cornices used in ancient times?

From being used as decorative elements in temples and places of worship to being used as complementary design elements, cornices have been present in structures and date back to ancient civilizations. Although the Romans and Greeks have popularized it, cornices are also evident in Egyptian architecture. The Egyptians have ornate cornice designs that are carved with hieroglyphics and other motifs. Back then, they only had limited building materials, so the cornices were usually made of stone. Cornices were used as wall protection from the scorching heat of the sun.

In contrast to the Egyptians, the Greeks and Romans explored more uses of cornices. Aside from protection, they relished using it as a decorative element and introduced various designs. The Parthenon, one of the prime examples of Greek architecture, has dentil cornices with bed and reel motifs. Roman architecture drew inspiration and adopted their design, which we can see in iconic structures like the Colosseum.

The evolution of cornice designs from the medieval to the Renaissance era.

Decades later, cornice design improved further, becoming more complex. Gothic architecture stood out with its towering spires and domineering buttresses, so it’s only natural that even the smallest architectural elements also followed suit; its cornices boast of gargoyles and every design motif possible. Apart from keeping water away from the walls, the cornices were also used as channels to direct rainwater away from the structure. 

In contrast to the Gothic period, the Renaissance era saw the return of classical designs. They imitated the structures and added classical motifs like dentils and ogees. By then, the Romans had also introduced new building materials like plaster and concrete, which made them a lot sturdier.

The cornices of today: embracing modern and minimalist designs.

The cornice designs of today are much simpler and derived more from the Greeks and Romans. Some of the more prominent designs we see these days are a mix of dentils, ogees, geometric, and minimalist cornices. Some opt to paint their cornices the same color as their walls, while others prefer to choose bold hues to make a bold statement and highlight the ceiling.

In terms of building materials, there are a variety of options, like plaster, wood, and even metals.

To wrap it up, cornices remain one of the enduring elements of a building that serve both as ornaments and protection. By understanding its history, we can become more appreciative of how it’s incorporated into building designs.

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Scott Lee